Would it be helpful for nurses to have actual X-rays on the computer? (comment)

In some cases it would be very helpful for nurses to have access to xrays on computer. In critical areas such as ER and ICU this would be very helpful, however, we must use caution and educate nurses into what they are actually viewing. It is important to know how to deconstruct a CXR from the cspine down to the diaphragm. Know where the level of the carina is. Has anyone ever tried to Google "level of carina"? Try it and see what you get. It would be helpful for Critical Care RNs to be taught how to read xrays, not by other nurses, but by Radiologists, to show us how THEY break down a film. Many questions arise when looking at CXRs. What is too dark, what is too light? Does over- or under-penetration even matter? Depends on what you are looking for. Having quick access to xrays would assist the nurse who is proactive in their patient care. You can prepare for certain treatments if you have a basic understanding of radiologic exams. What does free air look like? What should you be looking for when following an NG tube down below the diaphragm? Nurses should use caution though. Too much knowledge can be harmful also. Take care with reading xrays, and ask for assistance.

Original PostApril 20, 2009Title: Would it be helpful for nurses to have actual X-rays on the computer? (comment)As a nurse who has worked in various settings,I believe it would be beneficial for nurses to have access to theactual film. Most hospitals and some smaller facilities are now able toplace these films online so that the physicians can review them fromanywhere. Agreeably most nurses do not know how to read xrays but someare able to look at the xray and see a broken rib, a white out or such.This would be helpful to the nurse to understand the patients problemand to anticipate treatment. The other part of this is if the nurse hasaccess and it is in an area where she could show it to the family andTEACH and INSTRUCT them as to what is wrong with their loved one it maydecrease anxiety and assist with the treatment of that patient. I don’tbelieve nurses should be the first one to observe the xray and share itwith others because this would be above their scope of practice.However, to be able to utilize these tools to learn and teach otherswould be a great asset.

Original Post:April 7, 2009Digital images, such as X-rays and scans, will be stored on computer –enabling them to be sent by email or stored in a USB device. This endsthe need to physically transfer X-rays or scans by hand from hospitaldepartment to another. This is extremely important that the diagnosiscould be made faster and so as the treatment. Also, other healthprofessional could share the same information and of course we need thepatient’s consent.This will also eventually see patient recordsbeing stored electronically and all GPs making hospital appointmentsfor their patients from computers in their surgeries. People inrural areas will especially benefit because it will save many journeysto hospital. The digital image will follow the patient wherever they goand will be able to be recalled whenever and wherever they need to beaccessed by a patient’s healthcare professional. In addition topatients not having to wait whilst their X-rays are processed anddelivered by hand from one department to another, clinicians will nolonger have to hold X-rays up to a light box in A and E to make adiagnosis. There will be improved staff and patient safety due toreductions in radiation dosages from X-rays and avoiding the use ofhazardous chemicals for film processing.Apart from that, healthprofessionals should learn to read the X-rays and scans so this wouldbe more beneficial to patients through different other therapies.Although, protection of client’s private details would be another issueto be considered.

Original Post:March 6, 2009Currentlyphysicians can pull up the actual x rays and ct scans on the computerbut nurses can only pull up the report. Now I agree not all nurses canread X rays but in the ER, ICU and Recovery Room seasoned nurses canread basic films (chest x ray, bones for fractures, etc). I was taughtthis skill when I first trained in critical care. As a nurse I alwaysappreciate the ability to look at a film and be able to see if mypatient has fractured ribs, which would prepare me to understand thecomplications for this type of fracture. Or to see a pneumo followingcentral line placement and have a chest tube set up at the bedside whenthe physician arrives. In the ER I can set up for a closed reduction ifI have access to the films. Most of the time a nurse has more time tokeep checking for results than do physicians. Additionally, printedreports are, in most cases, not downloaded into the computer systemuntil long after the patient receives treatment. I am an advocate forelectronic documentation and medical records however nursing educationand the level of knowledge we have these days is under estimated. Yes,the radiologist reads the results and the physician orders thetreatment but most nurses can anticipate what the treatment will bewhich in turn decreases both patient and physician wait time anddecreases the risks associated with those wait times.

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